Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Cerebral microbleeds predict first-ever symptomatic cerebrovascular events

Tomofumi Nishikawa1, Tetsuya Ueba, Motohiro Kajiwara

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Kishiwada City Hospital, 1001 Gakuhara-cho, Kishiwada, Osaka 596-8501, Japan.

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|September 22, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) detected by MRI are a significant predictor of future cerebrovascular events. Identifying CMB can help assess stroke risk in patients with neurological conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are common findings in neuroimaging, particularly in patients with various cerebral diseases.
  • Gradient-echo T2*-weighted MRI is a key technique for detecting CMB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether cerebral microbleeds (CMB) serve as a predictive factor for first-ever cerebrovascular events.
  • To assess the independent predictive value of CMB for incident cerebrovascular events.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study involving 698 subjects without prior cerebrovascular events.
  • Gradient-echo T2*-weighted MRI was performed, followed by an average 3.5-year outpatient observation period.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of CMB at baseline was 17.0%.
  • First-ever symptomatic cerebrovascular events occurred significantly more frequently in subjects with CMB (15 cases) compared to those without (21 cases).
  • CMB were identified as an independent predictor of first-ever symptomatic cerebrovascular events (HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.27-6.48) after adjusting for age, sex, and hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB) is an independent predictor of first-ever symptomatic cerebrovascular diseases.
  • MRI-detected CMB can aid in risk stratification for cerebrovascular events.

More Related Videos

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images08:39

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images

Published on: November 20, 2015

Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats06:39

Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats

Published on: October 17, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...